Trailer chain safety device

Abstract

A safety device for use with a chain extending between a trailer and a tow vehicle. The device has a central sleeve that houses the chain. Two side sleeves extend parallel to the central sleeve and house an elastic cord. The elastic cord provides tension to the sleeve, allowing the chain to group or bunch up without tension. The allows a user to avoid having to manipulate the length of the chain in order to avoid chain drag from the chains being too long or chain bind from the chains being too short when the vehicle attempts to turn while towing the trailer. Typically trailers have a pair of safety chains extending from the trailer to the vehicle, thus two of the devices are preferably utilized.

I claim: 
     
       1. A safety chain apparatus for connecting a trailer to a towing vehicle, the apparatus comprising:
 a chain comprising a continuous length of chain links, said chain comprising a first end connected to a frame of the trailer, said chain comprising a second end configured for connection to said towing vehicle, 
 a central elongate sleeve positioned on said continuous length of chain links, wherein said elongate sleeve is configured to surround said continuous length of chain links, wherein said central elongate sleeve extends from a first sleeve end proximate to said first end of said chain to a second sleeve end proximate to said second end of said chain; 
 a first elongate side sleeve and a second elongate side sleeve attached to said central elongate sleeve at opposing positions on said central elongate sleeve, wherein said first elongate side sleeve and said second elongate side sleeve extend parallel to said central elongate sleeve; 
 a first section of elongate elastic cord extending through said first elongate side sleeve; 
 a second section of elongate elastic cord extending through said second elongate side sleeve; 
 wherein a first end of said first elongate elastic cord and a first end of said second section of elongate elastic cord are functionally attached to said first end of said chain, wherein a second end of said first elongate elastic cord and a second end of said second elongate elastic cord are functionally attached to said second end of said chain such that when said chain is connected to said tow vehicle and said trailer said first section of elongate elastic cord and said second section of elongate elastic cord provide tension to said chain such that chain within said central elongate sleeve is not in tension. 
 
     
     
       2. The safety chain apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said first section of elongate elastic cord and said second section of elongate elastic cord are sections of an endless loop of elastic cord. 
     
     
       3. The safety chain apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein said endless loop is formed by a length of elastic cord attached by a connector at each end of said length of elastic cord to form an endless loop. 
     
     
       4. The safety chain apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein said endless loop extends through a first end link in said chain proximate said first end of said chain and through a second end link proximate said second end of said chain. 
     
     
       5. The safety chain apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said central elongate sleeve is adjustable in length. 
     
     
       6. A kit for upgrading a chain connection between a tow vehicle and a trailer, said chain
 connection comprising a chain having a series of continuous links extending between the trailer and the tow vehicle, the kit comprising: 
 a sleeve, said sleeve comprising: 
 a central elongate sleeve configured to be positioned on said continuous length of chain links, wherein said elongate sleeve is configured to surround said continuous length of chain links, wherein said central elongate sleeve extends from a first sleeve end proximate to said first end of said chain to a second sleeve end proximate to said second end of said chain; 
 a first elongate side sleeve and a second elongate side sleeve attached to said central elongate sleeve at opposing positions on said central elongate sleeve, wherein said first elongate side sleeve and said second elongate side sleeve extend parallel to said central elongate sleeve; 
 an elongate section of elastic cord having a first end and a second end; 
 and a connector configured to connect the first end and second end of said elastic cord to form an endless loop; and 
 wherein said kit is configured to be attached to said chain by placing said chain through said central elongate sleeve, routing said elongate section of elastic cord through a first elongate side sleeve, through a link of said chain proximate a first end of said chain, through the second elongate side sleeve, through a link of said chain proximate a second end of said chain, and attaching said first end of said elongate section of elastic cord to said second end of said elongate cord with said connector. 
 
     
     
       7. The kit for upgrading a chain connection between a tow vehicle and a trailer of  claim 6 , wherein said kit comprises a second sleeve, a second elongate section of elastic cord, and a second connector.